Chowan College - Chowanoka Yearbook (Murfreesboro, NC)

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WE ' RE SOMETHING SPECIAL!

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The Class of ' 79 becomes official. Commencement Marshals Pamela Cross, Co-Chief Rochel Roland, Co-Chief Cynthia Gray Karen Hopwood Mitchell White

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During the 1970 ' s, Chowan College experienced a decade of change, evaluation, and continued progress. The early years brought a dramatic increase in the enrollment, which soared to a high of almost 1,500 students. This growth had been made possible by the opening of a new men ' s dormitory during the decade. The new $1.3 million science-engineering facility was opened in January, 1973. The new $2.5 million gymnasium- physical education center was nearing completion in December, 1979. Also, during the ' 70s, extensive repair and renovation work was done to McDowell Columns. Two interior walls were replaced and the chapel-auditorium was completely renovated. During the 1972-73 academic year, Chowan faced a new challenge brought on by a sharp enrollment decline and ris- ing costs. The reduced enrollment to approximately 985 had been anticipated by the administration and Board of Trustees. The college responded by seeking ways to tighten its belt without sacrificing the quality of its academic pro- gram. Chowan also embarked on a period of evaluation and study. The college emerged with new programs and emphases, geared to broaden its service to students. As a result of a study of the interests and needs of its students, a number of career education programs were initiated during the ' 70s to complement Chowan ' s traditional emphasis in liberal arts. These include photography, newswriting and advertising, comercial art, and merchandising management. All have proved popular with students. Additional services and personnel were provided through the Department of Student Development in the areas of guidance and counseling and residence hall living. More attention was given to helping provide students with finan- cial aid. The college reaffirmed its heritage as a Baptist college devoted to helping the individual student realize his poten- tial through mental, physical and spiritual growth. With the change of status of Wingate College to a four-year school, Chowan was left as the only two-year college sponsored by the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. This has proved to be a plus for the college. Campus evaluation was accelerated by the participation of the college in the institutional self-study during the 1977-78 calendar years. This led to Chowan receiving reaffirmation of its accreditation. Chowan has been strenghtened by this period of study and innovation. Since the mid-seventies, the enrollment has stabilized in the area of 1,000-1,100 students. Another cause of optimism as Chowan enters the ' 80 is the level of financial support the college enjoyed during the past decade. The Annual Giving Fund goal has been met each year since the program was launched in 1974. The amount received has increased from $50,000 the first year to over $65,000 during 1978-79. The success of the Annual Giving Fund Program has helped Chowan to continue to operate in the black, something the college has done for the past 22 years. Chowan alumni have increased their support. A Parents Association has been formed and is providing support. The $2.5 million Chowan received in pledges and gifts for its new gymnasium doubled its previous largest campaign to construct the new science-engineering facility. Chowan is now emphasizing its general endowment program. Endowment has reached $2 million and the college has announced a goal of $5 million within three years and a goal of $50 million within a generation. During the ' 70s, Chowan ' s athletic teams brought acclaim to the college. Among the more notable achievements are the basketball team winning two straight regular season conference championships and placing second in the regional meet in 1979; the football team compiling a record of nine winning seasons and sending scores of players, including a number of all- Americans, to senior colleges; and the baseball team compiling an enviable won-loss record. The women ' s varsity program has also been strengthened. The 1979 volleyball team placed second in the regional tournament, its highest finish ever. The 1979-80 women ' s basketball team compiled one of the school ' s best records ever. During the past decade, Chowan became known, more than ever before, as the area ' s cultural and fine arts center. The art program was begun within the Fine Arts Department and the Chowan Art Gallery opened. Many attractions in dance, music and drama have been presented to the enjoyment of the campus and the larger community. In its growth to a place of prominence as one of the nation ' s finest private, two-year colleges, Chowan has been helped by many different people. Among the forefront of the volunteer leaders and workers have been the members of the board of Trustees and Board of Advisors. The student body and alumni have played an important role in Chowan ' s progress and in molding the college into what it is today. The closeness of the faculty and staff and their mutual respect and appreciation for each other is a strength from which will spring even greater success and progress during the 1980s. —President Bruce E. Whitaker